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Slash the cost of your clothing spend

Updating your wardrobe or keeping up with the latest fashion trends is something that takes careful consideration, especially if you’re aiming to keep costs down. Seen a great outfit and can’t wait until pay day? Or maybe you’d like a brand new look but can’t afford all the accessories? There are many reasons why it makes sense to shop around for clothing. Even if you aren’t a trend setter, there are still multiple ways to save money on clothes shopping. Below are some of the popular ways people are saving.

Designer labels

Designer labels may impress friends and make you feel good about yourself, but the vast majority of people cannot tell the difference. If you are the kind of person who must have a recognisable brand name, truth be told, these are invariably more expensive than cheaper brands. A pair of £30 jeans and a pair of £100 jeans can look identical. Of course, there are exceptions in terms of quality, but before purchasing, ask if you can justify spending the extra.

Discount vouchers

One of the best ways to save money when shopping on the Web is to use discount codes (also called voucher codes) to obtain savings on purchases. Codes are readily available for the vast majority of large online stores, including some of the smaller ones. They usually provide free delivery or a percentage off the price, and perhaps even further discounts depending on the promotion. A simple search will reveal a multitude of sites offering codes.

Charity shops

You can find some real gems in charity shops and it can be worthwhile taking time to sift through the clutter. Not only might you find a bargain, you’ll be helping a good cause, too. The vast majority of towns have multiple charity shops specialising in clothing, books, furniture, and other goods. And if you need to clear out your old wardrobe or get rid of redundant items, this is also a popular way to ensure they go to a second home.

Factory shops/outlets

You can find branded clothing at reduced prices in outlet villages and similar locations, such as factory shops and other specialised discount stores. This is highly recommended if you’re searching for designer labels and don’t mind clothing from the previous season. Be sure to visit designer outlet malls, which are especially popular in the UK, for a full selection of products.

eBay

Frequently used by bargain hunters, eBay is another excellent location for finding discount clothing. Both new and second hand items can be snapped up on the world’s largest auction site, and it’s also ideal for getting rid of any clothes you no longer wear. It is often quite surprising what people will buy - even seemingly useless items can clinch a sale. Keep a lookout for traders who design and make their own clothing to get unique and value for money deals.

Sales

It goes without saying but waiting for your favourite stores to have a sale day is arguably the best way to save money on clothing. Many shops have an end of season sale before the new season’s lines become available, and holding out on purchasing until then can result in some great bargains. However, discounts can happen at any time, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sudden price reductions.

Swapping/Hand me downs

A great (and far cheaper) alternative to purchasing an entire new outfit. Friends can be an excellent source of clothing and to save money you could ask to borrow or buy some older items. Similarly, siblings and other family members may have clothes they don’t wear. This is especially the case if a person has purchased an item and later realised the size is incorrect.

Social media

Facebook and similar social networking sites are great places to find discount clothing or items available to buy/sell. Many towns have multiple local groups dedicated to this practice, and connecting with other users is instant, so you can get a decision within minutes. By participating in the group, it is possible to build up a following, which can be helpful if you intend on regularly buying or selling.

Markets/jumble sales

Markets are among the best places to find cheap clothing, especially accessories like gloves, scarves, hats and similar items. Jumble sales can also be a treasure trove for second hand clothing, as can church sales and village fetes. Schools may also organise clothing sales for school-related items, and it can be well worth putting these dates in your diary. You never know what you could find in unclaimed lost property!

Local classifieds

Check out your local newspaper classifieds section (or log-on to a popular Web-based classifieds site) to see if other people are selling unwanted clothing. Classifieds are some of the best ways to get hold of all kinds of second hand goods, but they are often among the most overlooked. It is worth exploring multiple newspapers and Web pages, even those outside of your local area in order to find the best selection.

Supermarket brands

If you often choose to shop on the high-street for clothes, you may be pleasantly surprised to see real savings can be make by purchasing clothing at a local supermarket. Quality and sizes vary from retailer to retailer, but on the whole you can find affordable goods that are well worth the cost. If you’re in the UK, ASDA’s George, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are recommended. Visit all to get a feel for the range of items, price, trend and quality.